Bellator FCBellator MMA (Bellator) is the 2nd largest mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion in the USA and the largest tournament-based MMA organization in the world. Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, the company was formed in 2008 by Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. Bellator’s events are primarily structured around tournaments. The tournament winner is declared the number one contender in their respective weight class, and is awarded a check for $100,000 and a shot at the reigning Bellator champion. Bellator uses the motto “The Toughest Tournament In Sports” Bellator FC now airs on Spike TV Thursday nights!

The 42-year-old UFC vet and former IFL champion will compete at an upcoming event in a non-tournament bout, according to today's announcement.

Bellator is expected to host four-man tournaments this summer in the bantamweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. However, it appears Matyushenko won't be part of his division's summer tourney.

Matyushenko (26-7 MMA, 0-0 BFC) heads to Bellator after a seven-fight stint with the UFC, where he went 4-3. Although he scored knockout wins over the likes of Jason Brilz and Alexandre Ferreira, "The Janitor" received his pink slip following back-to-back stoppage losses to contenders Alexander Gustafsson and Ryan Bader.

"Vladimir is a fighter I've watched for years," Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney stated. "He's an exciting fighter with an incredible wrestling background and a great pedigree in our sport. When the opportunity presented itself and we had the chance to have him join the Bellator family, it was a very easy decision to make.

"With our Champion Attila Vegh sitting at the top of the mountain right now, and with guys like Emanuel Newton, Mikhail Zayats and 'King' Mo (Lawal) coming on strong, the light heavyweight division for Bellator continues to evolve, and Vladimir should fit in perfectly to that mix."

After his first UFC stint ended in 2003, which included a title loss to Tito Ortiz, Matyushenko posted a 9-1 record to earn his way back to the promotion in 2009. His notable career wins have come over the likes of Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Tim Boetsch, Pedro Rizzo and Travis Wiuff.